Standing Room Only Crowd Packed Tom North’s Book Launch Event
July 14, 2013
Carmel, California – On Friday, July 12, 2013, the Carmel Art Association and Pilgrim’s Way Book Store hosted Tom North’s event for the launch of his new book, True North – The Shocking Truth about “Yours, Mine and Ours” an inspirational story of survival and hope. More than 150 people from as far away as San Jose and Big Sur attended the standing room only event to hear Tom North discuss his new book.
Pilgrim’s Way Book Store co-owner, Cynthia Fernandes, introduced the author and remarked, “Tom North’s book, True North – The Shocking Truth about ‘Yours, Mine and Ours’, reads like an exposé filled with vulnerability, courage and a commitment to healing, truth and hope.”
Throughout his life, Tom has found refuge and healing in nature, and inner peace by practicing transcendental meditation; so it was fitting that he began his presentation by leading the audience in a short meditation. He then shared stories about his book and what it was like to live in the real-life Beardsley family made famous by the hit movie, “Yours, Mine and Ours” starring Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda. He read a few excerpts from his book and answered questions from the audience.
Though there was laughter, there were also tears – many people were shocked and moved as they listened to Tom tell what it was really like to be part of “that big wonderful family”, the family everyone had grown to love and admire.
At the end of his presentation he remarked, “My book is not just about child abuse and domestic violence. It’s about what we can do about it. Having survived that very difficult childhood, the question was, ‘What am I going to do about it?’ The rest of the story is what I did about it.”
Pilgrim’s Way Book Store held a book signing across the street in The Secret Garden where people lined up to meet Tom North in person and get their books signed. After the event, Fernandes reported, “According to the myriad of accolades we received after his event, Tom North’s presentation was genuine and from the heart, with an authenticity that was truly impactful!”
As he noted the irony of an art show next door in the Beardsley Gallery (no relation) titled, “All in the Family”, North said, “I am beyond grateful for the overflow attendance and the interest and support I felt from the people in the audience. In addition to telling my true story, I am committed to bringing awareness to the issues of child abuse and neglect, and domestic violence, and I am moved by how much people really do care.”
A woman from Carmel, who knew the Beardsley family way back when, attended the event and told North, “Thank you for being a magnificent and dedicated voice for the voiceless, and shining the brightest light possible on the heinous reality of child abuse and domestic violence. After everything you have experienced, you could have said no, but you’ve got the heart, strength and courage to say yes.”
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